Copyright Law: Key legislation includes Copyright Act of 1976, Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), work-for-hire provisions, and rights management. Essential for protecting creative content and determining ownership rights.
Communications Law: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, broadcasting standards, content ratings, and program length requirements. Ensures compliance with federal broadcasting guidelines.
Labor Laws: Guild regulations (SAG-AFTRA, WGA, DGA), Fair Labor Standards Act, and state-specific labor laws. Governs employment relationships and working conditions in production.
Intellectual Property Laws: Covers trademark protection, patent considerations, and trade secret protection beyond copyright. Essential for protecting brand elements and innovative production methods.
Contract Law: State-specific contract laws, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and Statute of Frauds requirements. Forms the foundation for the agreement's enforceability.
Entertainment Industry Regulations: Production safety regulations, child actor laws, content rating systems, and product placement rules. Ensures compliance with industry-specific requirements.
International Treaties: International copyright conventions, bilateral co-production treaties, and foreign broadcast rights agreements. Critical for international co-productions and distribution.
Tax Laws: Production tax incentives, state-specific film/TV credits, international tax considerations, and revenue sharing implications. Important for financial planning and compliance.
Privacy Laws: Publicity rights, data protection regulations, and location filming permissions. Ensures compliance with privacy requirements and proper rights clearance.
Insurance Requirements: Production insurance, errors and omissions coverage, workers' compensation, and general liability insurance. Protects against various production-related risks.
Distribution Laws: Regulations governing syndication rights, digital platform regulations, and international distribution requirements. Essential for content distribution compliance.
Financial Regulations: Securities laws, banking regulations, and revenue sharing structures. Ensures compliance with financial requirements, especially if investment is involved.
